Developer of Subpar Steam Card Battler Announces Game Deletion Due to AI Issues

January 13, 2026byadmin

**The Controversy Surrounding AI in Gaming: The Case of “Hardest”**

In a striking announcement, Eero Laine, the developer behind the roguelike card battler “Hardest,” declared that the game will be removed from Steam on January 30th due to concerns over the use of AI-generated assets. This revelation has ignited discussions about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in the gaming industry.

Laine’s decision stems from a profound change of heart regarding AI technology, which he initially embraced during the game’s development last summer. The convenience of using AI to generate images, coupled with the accessibility of the tools provided during his university education, led him to incorporate this technology into “Hardest.” However, as Laine reflected on the consequences of AI, he recognized that its benefits come at a costly price to both the economy and the environment. He articulates a concern that the existence of AI-generated games may attract further investment into AI companies, contributing to a cycle that undermines the efforts of hardworking individuals in the creative industry.

The developer credits a personal relationship for his shift in perspective, mentioning that his girlfriend played a pivotal role in enlightening him about the ethical concerns associated with generative AI. This anecdote paints a picture that is both personal and reflective of broader societal debates on technology’s impact.

While Laine’s decision raises questions about accountability and individual agency, particularly regarding the influence of academic environments, it emphasizes the significance of ethics in game development. By acknowledging potential pitfalls associated with AI, Laine sets a precedent for developers to critically evaluate their reliance on such technologies.

Looking ahead, Laine has expressed the possibility of creating a new version of “Hardest” using traditional assets, indicating a commitment to rectifying past decisions. This prospect is promising, as it reflects a growing awareness within the gaming community of the importance of artistic integrity and the potential ramifications of generative technology.

The situation surrounding “Hardest” underscores a broader trend within the gaming industry, where developers are increasingly scrutinizing the use of AI in their projects. With prominent companies like Larian also facing backlash over their AI practices, it is evident that players are advocating for a more ethical approach to game development.

As this discourse continues to evolve, Laine’s bold move to withdraw “Hardest” serves as a noteworthy example of the ongoing dialogue between technology, creativity, and responsibility in the ever-changing landscape of gaming.

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Overview of the Third RPS Christmas Cracker Event in 2025

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Genies Avatar SDK: Develop Personalizable Avatars for Incorporation into Unity Games

Game characters have made significant progress in recent years, but Genies — renowned for its highly stylized digital avatars — is accelerating that transformation. Following a partnership announcement with Unity this summer, the company has started to introduce its initial set of tools for developers: the Genies Avatar SDK, which is now available on the Unity Asset Store.

The process is remarkably straightforward: Simply integrate this package into your project, and just like that, your game can accommodate high-fidelity, completely customizable player avatars that remain consistent across any game developed with the Unity engine and connects to the same system. The avatars then become accessible across Unity-based games. The Genies Avatar SDK provides players with something that games have attempted (and frequently struggled) to achieve for years — a digital identity that is uniquely their own, rather than a generic character creator sourced from a dropdown menu.

### Change On the Fly
The Genies editor enables players to adjust body attributes, facial features, clothing, hairstyles, and accessories with a surprising level of detail. There’s an integrated “Closet” stocked with starter outfits, and new apparel will be introduced regularly, with developers also having the option to incorporate their own designs. Thanks to the company’s auto-rigging pipeline, custom wearables attach seamlessly to any avatar without disrupting animations, clipping through bodies, or compromising visual quality.

Developers receive a versatile avatar framework incorporated directly into the SDK. It includes a ready-to-use character controller and can integrate with existing animation systems if one is already in place. NPCs can also be generated through the same editor — implying every character in a world, not just players, can exhibit the same expressive style. Most importantly, everything is persistent. If a player unlocks or acquires a wearable in one experience, it remains in their inventory wherever the Genies system is implemented.

### Bringing It All Together
The Genies SDK further features a simplified login process. Instead of requiring players to manage passwords or account portals, Genies employs a one-time email code system that transfers a user’s avatar and items from one game to another. For any developer creating a social environment, UGC world, or multiplayer hub, this is the ultimate goal.

However, Genies is already hinting at what’s next — and this is where things become truly exciting. The company is working on an AIGC SDK that can produce game-ready 3D assets in minutes, a Smart Avatar SDK that transforms NPCs into AI-driven characters capable of learning and adapting to players, and a Genies Party SDK that combines all of this into a platform for IP-driven experiences. Their stated aim is to transform some of the most cumbersome aspects of development — asset creation, rigging, optimization — into rapid, automated processes.

Whether this will trigger the next major shift in game development or simply serve as an advanced avatar creator remains to be seen. However, if you’re interested, the Avatar SDK is already operational on the Unity Asset Store — and Genies claims it is merely the first step in a much cooler, more ambitious initiative.

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